From the lessons she’s lived through, to the advice that’s formed her journey, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite learnings from Marie Forleo’s #1 New York Times bestseller, Everything Is Figureoutable.

A born-and-raised Jersey woman and formidable multi-faceted entrepreneur, Marie Forleo certainly knows a thing or two about figuring things out. Named by Oprah as a Thought Leader For The Next Generation, with an award winning TV show – MarieTV - and acclaimed podcast to match, the self-proclaimed ‘unshakable optimist’ is dedicated to helping you dream big, create results and become the best you can be. Here are some of our favourite insights from the #1 New York Times bestseller, Everything Is Figureoutable.

1. Her Mother’s Words Became The Ones She Lived By

As huge advocates for women learning from the experiences of each other, we were thrilled to learn that Marie’s very best lesson came from her own leading lady – her mother. Known internationally as a multi-talented business woman, Marie shared how so much of her work ethic and approach to life came from her mother’s wise advice. While fixing a radio, Marie’s mother uttered the life-affirming words; “Nothing in life is that complicated. You can do whatever you set your mind to if you just roll up your sleeves, get in there and do it. Everything is figureoutable.”

This became the philosophy to which Marie lived, and the most powerful driving force behind her decisions, helping her end a physically abusive relationship and land every job she’s ever had, from bartending to trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange and publishing at Conde Nast. The learning? No matter what you’re facing, you have what it takes to become the person you’re meant to be.

2. Always Seek To Learn Something New

Marie tells us we should aim to train our brains to be curious, and that there are two thoughts that we should look out for that can prevent us from doing so. The first is “I know this already”, which can cause our minds to switch off. She advices we approach this thought with a growth-minded question, such as “what can I learn from this?”, which could help you widen your perspective or help you find new opportunities to grow.

The second is “this won’t work for me”, which can prompt you to shut down before exploring new ideas. Her advice? Ask yourself, “How can this work for me?”, which will enable you to step outside your comfort zone.

3. Some Of Our Biggest Obstacles Are The Excuses We Tell Ourselves

From claiming we’ll wake up early to work-out (and without fail, snoozing our alarm), to delaying taking control of our finances or stepping into a new career path, the idea that the little lies we tell ourselves are the very thing that limit what we could accomplish, rings true to most.

Firstly – don’t beat yourself up, because we all make excuses from time to time. But as Marie tells us, “if you’re committed to figuring things out, all excuses have got to go. It’s time to call yourself out.” The result of doing so? You’ll reclaim not only enormous stores of energy, but also your power to change.

4. The Fall Is Never Final, Unless You Stay On The Ground

One of our favourite learnings from Everything Is Figureoutable is that having the ability to understand more, will ultimately allow you to fear far less. Using an analogy of falling off a motor scooter, Marie shows us that we have two choices -  to let our fear of failure control our decisions, or to pick ourselves up and try again.

“You never get stronger if you do easy things, we all wipe out” Marie shares. “Physically, emotionally, creatively, financially, socially. It’s inherent to the human growth process.” She tells us that by looking at the ways we can metabolise, manage and mitigate fear – which she likes to think of as the acronym Face Everything And Rise – we can thrive.

5. Clarity Comes From Engagement, Not Thought

Marie talks a lot about not knowing her definitive career path – she wanted to be a writer, an artist, a business woman, a dancer – and many other professions. But if there’s one lesson that Marie has taught us, it’s that ultimately, you are more than one ‘role’, and that there is power in defining your wider dream – something she discovered when, after much deliberation, she found her home on the dancefloor.

“I’m still shocked about how much time and energy we humans waste being indecisive,” she shares. “My biggest mistake? Searching my head for an answer that could only be experienced through my heart.”

6. You Will Never Feel Ready To Do The Important Things You’re Meant To Do

Marie’s ‘start before you’re ready’ mantra is one to live by - after all, no one ever feels prepared for their next big life change. She introduces us to the 10-year test, explaining that in order to define as to whether an opportunity is worth the risk, you must ask yourself – “in 10 years, would I regret NOT doing this?” If the answer is yes, the chance is usually too good to miss.

Marie reminds us that “all progress begins with a brave decision”, and that a point that many of us fail to acknowledge is that action comes before the courage to act, noting; “action spawns courage, not the other way around.”

7. Progress Not Perfection Is The Only Way To Bridge The Gap Between Your Ability And Your Ambition

For the most part, when we are passionate about something, we crave perfectionism. Whether it’s our careers, our relationships – or even our expectations of ourselves as people – many of us chase ideals to which we can never realistically match up. The result? We feel deflated, frustrated and like we’ve failed. So Marie uses her book to encourage us to chase daily progress, not the picture-perfect end result, to put us in the best position to achieve success - whatever that may end up looking like.

Telling us to “cooperate with the creative process” rather than forcing it, Marie shares that, “bit by bit, piece by piece, day by day”, your focus on progress rather than perfectionism, with a productive mindset, will help you successfully achieve your goals.